Conducting Translational Research in the Context of Patient Care

Greer et al. (2022) wrote a how-to guide for BCBAs who want to collect data for science while still serving clients. The paper lists planning tools that let you hit both goals without extra hours.

It is not a lab study. It is a map you can follow inside your normal workday.

The authors show that you can run small studies inside daily practice if you plan around client needs first. They give step-by-step ways to fold data collection into sessions you already do.

No client outcomes were measured. The product is the plan itself.

Kyonka et al. (2018) drew the five-tier T0-T4 spectrum. Greer et al. (2022) take that idea and give you checklists so you can actually use it at work.

Colombo et al. (2020) extend the same planning idea to crisis triage. They show that when resources shrink, you still decide what must stay in-person using the same priority logic Greer recommends.

Frederick et al. (2022) apply the planning tools to telehealth. Their tips for caregiver training and tech setup fit right into Greer’s framework for balancing research and service.

You do not need a separate research clinic. Use Greer’s planning questions at your next team meeting: Which client goals can double as study data? Which staff can collect it during normal sessions? Start small—one client, one extra data sheet. You keep quality care and add to science at the same time.